SAN PEDRO – In a black-and-blue defensive duel, there were an array of massive hits, big-time stops and bruising plays between two physical and aggressive defenses.

Both teams knew there was a lot at stake in this Marine League opener.

In the end, San Pedro rode its defense to pull out a 6-5 victory over Carson on Friday night at San Pedro.

For a game without a touchdown scored by either team, there were several highlights, mostly on the defensive end. And the biggest plays were made by the Pirates.

“Our defense has been lockdown all year,” San Pedro linebacker Robert Franco said. “I love this kind of game. Everyone on our defense is an animal. They run to the ball and they’re aggressive. You should see our practices.”

San Pedro (6-0, 1-0) wasn’t bad during the game either.

Michael Metcalf and Chris Bass were among a throng of San Pedro defenders putting pressure on Carson quarterback Daniel Torres, who went 16-for-37 for 189 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. San Pedro also recovered three fumbles.

“This game took a lot – a 150 percent effort,” said Metcalf, who had 1<MD+,%30,%55,%70>1/<MD-,%0,%55,%70>2 sacks and a fumble recovery. “When it looked like Carson was coming, we all pulled together and did a great job.

“Their defense was good, I’m not going to lie. But our defense came out on top. We just had more heart.”

In addition to defense, special teams played a major factor for San Pedro.

Kicker Donald Jarrin kicked two field goals for San Pedro – from 36 and 29 yards out. Benny Weischedel also made a big play to stop a Jarrin kick at the Carson 1-yard line with 1:31 left in the game, forcing Carson to go 99 yards for a chance to win.

When Torres’ long pass sailed long over the outstretched arms of a diving Morrell Presley on the Colts’ last possession, Carson was left to ponder a 2-4 start and an 0-1 league mark.

Carson’s Juan Sanchez had a tying 23-yard field goal in the first half, and Kevin Lane tackled San Pedro running back Christian Farrow in the end zone for a safety in the third quarter, but the Colts couldn’t put it together offensively despite holding San Pedro to 184 total yards.

“Well, our defense played well,” Carson coach Mike Christensen said, trailing off. “We had several opportunity. But it’s the same story: ample opportunities … until we learn to convert those, we’re going to be on the short end of these close games.

“We don’t deserve to be Marine League champions right now, not with this kind of effort. Until we do, I guess we’re playing for second place.”